EXPLANATION OF VOTE SINGAPORE AGENDA ITEM 31 PREVENTION OF ARMED CONFLICT: THE SITUATION IN THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC (A/71/L.39), 9 DECEMBER 2016

Madam President,

1        Singapore welcomes the fact that the General Assembly has convened to consider an issue of utmost importance to the international community.  Given the failure of the UN Security Council to take decisive action to resolve this long-standing crisis, it is legitimate for the General Assembly to play its rightful role in contributing to the resolution of the conflict. 

Madam President,

2        Let there be no doubt. The convening of this meeting reaffirms an important principle and establishes an important benchmark for the General Assembly.  When the Security Council fails to act, the General Assembly has the right to convene and discuss issues. When the Security Council is paralysed, the General Assembly must catalyse. It must catalyse dialogue and action. As a small country committed to the multilateral rules-based system, Singapore attaches great importance to the role of the General Assembly. 

3        However, while the General Assembly has a rightful role to play, we have to recognise the reality that the General Assembly cannot solve pressing problems of the day by simply voting on resolutions. The role of the General Assembly is to build consensus, not accentuate differences and divisions.  In this regard, we believe it is very important for the UN General Assembly to avoid finger-pointing or playing the blame game.  

Madam President,

4        The reality is that the resolution that we have just adopted was not a perfect document. There are elements in the resolution that Singapore is not comfortable with. However, the ultimate priority for the international community is to achieve a cessation of hostilities, to ensure the safety of civilians, and to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.  Singapore supported the resolution because we believe it is important to send a signal to all parties that the cessation of hostilities and the resumption of humanitarian assistance is a fundamental issue for the international community.

4        The adoption of this resolution is not a cause for celebration.  The stark reality is that this resolution will not change the situation on the ground in Syria.  We regard the adoption of this resolution as hopefully giving new impetus for all parties involved in this terrible crisis to engage in renewed dialogue and consultations and to reach a political solution to end this conflict.  Ultimately, a durable solution will require all parties to reach out to each other.  It will require all parties to respect each other.  It requires all parties to respect their different positions and find common ground. It requires all parties to work together to allow the Syrian people and the Syrian government to put an end to the conflict and build a peaceful and prosperous country.

Madam President,

5            The adoption of the resolution today does not absolve the Security Council from its responsibility to address threats to international peace and security.  Those who have the responsibility to act under the UN Charter, notably the Permanent Members of the Security Council, must live up to their responsibilities.  Singapore calls on all the P5 to show leadership on one of the biggest conflicts of our time, one that has imposed a huge cost in terms of human suffering.   We urge the P5 to find common ground.  Please put aside your differences and work together for the sake of the UN and for the sake of the international community. 

Madam President,

6        Any meaningful political solution in Syria must respect important principles, such as the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria and the need for an inclusive, Syria-led political process.  We welcome the reaffirmation of these key principles in the resolution we have adopted today.  We also welcome the request for the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of this resolution.

7        Thank you, Madam President.

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